Yvonne Yao

As an artist, I am sparked by the promise of adventures, unexpected surprises and a hungry curiosity for new experiences.  I am driven by the thrill of visiting new places and immersing in the rich colors and traditions of foreign cultures, the delight of coming across organic genetics in nature that both rivals and inspires man-made art, and the broadening of perspective that often comes with braving new experiences. These are the lessons and moments that inspire, mold, and affect me the most in life, and in turn translate in different ways through my jewelry. 

I began my career in television and fashion, which lasted the greater part of a decade, before I left my job in search of a path that would allow me to design for myself and share my creative expressions with the world. I wanted to build a flexible career that would allow me to “live” my life on my terms, without being tethered to the uncertain whims of freelance. As a dreamer and curious creative who loves working with my hands, with a fondness for textures, colors, and unexpected details-diving into a hobby of jewelry making came naturally.

Each of my designs is steered by the whimsy of my imagination, and inspiration often begins with the simple hands on act of molding and shaping metal wire into a form that somehow feels nostalgic, or an unexpectedly vivacious pairing of gemstones that charm my rebellious side.   Every piece begins with the pure chance of intuition and runs through a explorative journey of colors, textures, thoughts, questions, memories, obstacles, struggles and elations to arrive at its final unique self.